Peripheral Dynamics, Inc.

Jeffrey C Hahn

John S Garczynski

Bernard J McDevitt

John J Dobson

John L Bradshaw

Frank J Reed

Robert A Hollinger

Steven Wilcox

Lawrence Hyer

Edward C Meehan

A multifunctional scanner having a first processor, an image scanner, a laser scanner, and a host interface port is provided. The image scanner scans documents to detect the presence of images imprinted thereon, generates image data based on the detected images, generates mark-sense row/column data based on downloaded data masks, and forwards the image data to the first processor. The laser scanner scans documents to detect the presence of bar-code symbols imprinted thereon, decodes the bar code symbols, generates bar code information based on the decoded bar code symbols, and forwards the bar code information to the first processor. The host interface port electrically couples the first processor to an external host processor. The first processor receives the image data from the image scanner, converts the image data into a host datastream, and forwards the host datastream to the external host processor via the host interface port. The first processor also receives the bar code information from the laser scanner, and forwards the bar code information to the host processor via the host interface port.

Apparatus and methods for scanning documents including OMR, bar-code, and image data

A module for announcing when a dealer has blackjack without exposing the face of the dealer's down-card. The module scans a character from the dealer's face-down standard playing card, compares the result of the scan with a set of references, and identifies the down-card. The module also receives input from the dealer as to the identity of the dealer's up-card, and announces whether the dealer has blackjack or the hand continues. The module is designed to be mounted to a blackjack table such that the surface of the module on which the standard playing card rests while being scanned is in the plane of the surface of the blackjack table, allowing the dealer to slide the down-card across the table and onto the scanner without lifting, and potentially exposing, the card's face. The module also removes the noise generated by a casino's heat, dust, cigarette and cigar ashes, and lint from the felt of the blackjack table, during the scanning process. The module further optimizes the scan of the character on the standard playing card by controlling the light intensity emitted by the components of the module used to illuminate the character.

Blackjack scanner apparatus and method

A system and method is provided for entering data from a marked card into a central processing unit and for producing a receipt on which is displayed the entered data in alpha-numeric characters and a unique transaction code in machine readable form. The system utilizes a plurality of dispersed card reader-printers, each with data storage and processing capabilities, in communication with a local terminal on a sequential polling basis. The local terminal is, in turn, in communication with the central processing unit which stores the data read from the cards and assigns the transaction code to it. The system allows the data stored in the CPU to be verified against that read by the card reader-printer and allows the printed transaction code to be verified against that assigned by the central processing unit.

Card reader system and method with printing and verification capability

Badge reading apparatus for reading a data encoded badge or the like has a channel for receiving the badge, the channel having a slide positioned therein which clock-holes for producing synchronizing timing signals, the slide being adapted to move within the channel in abutting relation to the badge. Means are provided for maintaining the badge and slide in fixed abutting relation while the badge is moved so as to read, such means incorporating a wrap-around spring on which the badge rides and which keeps the badge properly aligned. The slide element further incorporates a fold-over arrangement for the clock-holes, whereby the slide need not contain the same number of clock-holes as there are rows of data to be read from the badge, thereby enabling a smaller slide element and reduced size of the overall apparatus. Flexibility in providing the clock-holes in different arrangements may be provided by the embodiment of a slide constructed of a transparent or semi transparent material with an opaque film attached thereto, the film carrying the programmed clock-holes and other information useful in operation of the reading apparatus.

Growing community of inventors

Oreland, PA, United States of America

Jeffrey C Hahn